WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.040 We hear that Jesus so loves His disciples that He prays for their and our spiritual protection. 00:00:09.679 --> 00:00:14.759 ! This week we're very much going to hear the heart of Jesus for His disciples. 00:00:15.960 --> 00:00:21.000 ! This week we had our last ever primary school parent consultation. 00:00:21.760 --> 00:00:29.320 And it was really nice to spend time with a P7 teacher who had invested a lot in terms of education, character, trying to build confidence. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:36.380 And His last words were all about having a healthy concern for ongoing progress. 00:00:36.380 --> 00:00:47.100 Knowing the next phase of high school was about to begin, eager that Seb continue on in his educational career. 00:00:48.480 --> 00:00:51.460 Different conditions need new provisions. 00:00:51.859 --> 00:00:55.299 Jesus has been with His disciples for the last three years. 00:00:55.299 --> 00:01:00.379 Every day He has been physically with them, their teacher and their master. 00:01:00.559 --> 00:01:04.519 He has protected them in their lives of faith. 00:01:04.599 --> 00:01:10.140 But now, as we hear at the beginning of the chapter, His hour has come. 00:01:10.819 --> 00:01:12.039 He's about to depart. 00:01:12.359 --> 00:01:16.739 He's going to go to the cross, then there'll be the resurrection, and then He'll return to the glory of heaven. 00:01:16.739 --> 00:01:26.619 And so here He takes time to ask His Father to continue the good work of protecting them spiritually. 00:01:27.299 --> 00:01:31.419 That Jesus' loving concern for His disciples remains. 00:01:33.599 --> 00:01:36.640 This prayer is often called the High Priestly Prayer. 00:01:37.119 --> 00:01:39.919 And that's a really helpful title for this section. 00:01:39.920 --> 00:01:45.280 Because remember, Jesus is praying out loud so His disciples can hear. 00:01:45.840 --> 00:01:47.340 He wants to encourage them. 00:01:47.579 --> 00:01:51.040 He wants to strengthen the disciples as they listen in. 00:01:51.780 --> 00:01:56.120 The disciples knew all about the work of the High Priest. 00:01:57.140 --> 00:01:59.200 They saw Him get dressed up. 00:01:59.200 --> 00:02:11.120 They knew that He wore the name of God's people on His shoulders and wore them on a breastplate on His heart as He would go into God's presence once a year. 00:02:12.340 --> 00:02:14.800 And that's exactly the image that we get of Jesus. 00:02:15.659 --> 00:02:17.580 His people are on His heart. 00:02:18.340 --> 00:02:20.360 He bears them on His shoulders. 00:02:20.719 --> 00:02:24.900 He carries us and our needs into our Father's presence. 00:02:26.060 --> 00:02:28.140 And so we're going to think about that this evening. 00:02:28.139 --> 00:02:29.899 Three very basic questions. 00:02:30.079 --> 00:02:31.779 First of all, who does Jesus pray for? 00:02:32.279 --> 00:02:34.379 Secondly, what does Jesus pray for? 00:02:34.739 --> 00:02:37.839 And thirdly, why do we need this prayer for ourselves? 00:02:39.099 --> 00:02:41.559 So question one, who does Jesus pray for? 00:02:42.199 --> 00:02:47.839 But again, just to press on this, that we are invited into the loving heart of Jesus. 00:02:48.000 --> 00:02:49.159 Because think about it. 00:02:49.179 --> 00:02:55.119 He knows that He has already entered into a dark time, a season of sorrow. 00:02:55.419 --> 00:02:57.060 He's about to go to the cross. 00:02:57.060 --> 00:03:00.759 He's going to take the cup of God's wrath and He's going to drink it to the dregs. 00:03:00.920 --> 00:03:06.080 He's literally going to walk into the darkness as He is judged for the sin of His people. 00:03:06.560 --> 00:03:11.500 That hour is upon Him, yet here He takes time to pray for His friends. 00:03:11.500 --> 00:03:16.580 And as He prays, they get to listen in. 00:03:16.780 --> 00:03:17.479 And so do we. 00:03:18.080 --> 00:03:29.259 And every word and every phrase matters because they are given and we are given powerful reminders that disciples of Jesus, they are those who are saved by God's grace. 00:03:29.759 --> 00:03:32.860 And disciples of Jesus are those who are deeply loved. 00:03:32.860 --> 00:03:40.960 This prayer isn't, because Jesus could immediately have gone, Father, I'm praying for my disciples, protect them. 00:03:41.340 --> 00:03:48.800 But He takes time to express truths about them, to show characteristics of the Christian. 00:03:49.460 --> 00:03:53.300 Some from God's perspective, thinking about salvation. 00:03:53.300 --> 00:03:56.180 Some from a human point of view. 00:03:58.020 --> 00:04:05.580 But He makes absolutely clear in this prayer that He prays for those who are saved by His power and His grace. 00:04:05.700 --> 00:04:08.340 Look at how He begins this section of His prayer. 00:04:08.439 --> 00:04:08.939 Verse 6, 00:04:08.939 --> 00:04:20.199 Or verse 9, 00:04:20.199 --> 00:04:34.439 What's really clear as we listen to Jesus are that disciples are those who've been given to Jesus the Son by God the Father. 00:04:34.439 --> 00:04:42.040 And so what's really clear is that they belong both to God the Son and they belong to God the Father. 00:04:42.259 --> 00:04:45.620 And they belong to God the Father even before Jesus' ministry. 00:04:46.800 --> 00:04:51.379 We're being invited again to recognize this eternal election. 00:04:52.259 --> 00:04:54.439 Love before the world was even made. 00:04:54.620 --> 00:04:56.720 Chosen before the world was created. 00:04:57.220 --> 00:04:58.879 God loves His people. 00:04:59.040 --> 00:05:03.659 God loves these disciples because He freely chose to love and to save them. 00:05:03.660 --> 00:05:09.380 And what we hear in Jesus' prayer is an aspect of covenant love. 00:05:10.360 --> 00:05:21.000 It's followers of Jesus bound to God the Father, bound to God the Son in steadfast, faithful covenant love from all eternity and forever. 00:05:25.200 --> 00:05:30.900 Disciples who are saved by God's grace have been given to the Son from out of the world. 00:05:30.960 --> 00:05:32.220 Did you hear that emphasis? 00:05:32.220 --> 00:05:33.820 Verse 6, 00:05:33.880 --> 00:05:38.060 I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. 00:05:38.920 --> 00:05:39.620 Verse 9, 00:05:39.620 --> 00:05:43.180 I'm not praying for the world but for those you have given me. 00:05:43.700 --> 00:05:48.720 Maybe we're familiar with that idea of being in the world but not of the world. 00:05:49.140 --> 00:05:52.240 Christians have been given a new identity. 00:05:52.240 --> 00:05:59.720 So, we are called to live here on this earth as foreigners with our true home in heaven with Christ. 00:06:01.160 --> 00:06:04.620 And so, we should live our days differently. 00:06:04.620 --> 00:06:08.079 Some of us, I know, watch race across the world. 00:06:08.079 --> 00:06:12.120 And this week, teams ended up in Mongolia. 00:06:13.000 --> 00:06:17.639 And they were dropped into Mongolia, taking a flight over China. 00:06:17.639 --> 00:06:23.060 And the territory they entered, it felt like another world to so many of them. 00:06:23.159 --> 00:06:24.319 Totally different language. 00:06:25.039 --> 00:06:26.300 Totally different way of life. 00:06:26.479 --> 00:06:28.099 Entirely different customs. 00:06:28.560 --> 00:06:30.159 Really hard to enter in. 00:06:30.160 --> 00:06:35.860 And every point on that journey, they were clearly different foreigners, strangers. 00:06:35.860 --> 00:06:41.580 Jesus says that's our identity as those who are in Christ. 00:06:42.020 --> 00:06:43.840 In the world but not of the world. 00:06:44.080 --> 00:06:48.540 In the world but at the same time called out of the world to be given to Jesus. 00:06:50.480 --> 00:06:52.400 Important to say that in John's gospel, 00:06:52.980 --> 00:06:58.639 sometimes Jesus will use that word world in a really specific way. 00:06:58.639 --> 00:07:01.660 Not talking about the earth, geography, 00:07:01.660 --> 00:07:09.460 but thinking about a system or a set of people who live in opposition to God and His kingdom. 00:07:10.580 --> 00:07:17.160 The world are those whose hearts and desires are fixed on this world, not on heaven. 00:07:17.940 --> 00:07:24.000 Those who are seeking glory for themselves in this world, not seeking the glory of God. 00:07:24.440 --> 00:07:29.340 And truly, that's the condition of each and every person who has ever lived. 00:07:29.339 --> 00:07:34.119 But the prayer of Jesus reminds us that out of that mess of sinful rebellion, 00:07:34.919 --> 00:07:40.839 God chooses to reach down and pluck some out to bring to Himself. 00:07:41.060 --> 00:07:45.060 Not because they have earned it, but because God delights to be gracious 00:07:45.060 --> 00:07:49.099 and to give a people to His Son. 00:07:50.259 --> 00:07:54.679 And so, as we listen to Jesus' prayer, we're being reminded of the power of God. 00:07:55.500 --> 00:07:57.919 That authority properly belongs to Him. 00:07:57.920 --> 00:08:00.100 He is the creator, He is the King. 00:08:01.439 --> 00:08:06.199 And this same powerful God who created the world by speaking it into existence, 00:08:06.780 --> 00:08:10.200 with that same power raising Jesus from the dead, 00:08:10.819 --> 00:08:16.160 with that same power gives us new life in Christ and gives us to Christ. 00:08:16.160 --> 00:08:25.320 The God of all power acts in Christ Jesus to set us free, as we were thinking about this morning, 00:08:25.400 --> 00:08:29.340 to redeem us from Satan and from sin that leads to death, 00:08:29.540 --> 00:08:32.840 through the death of Jesus on the cross. 00:08:32.840 --> 00:08:41.560 We were reminded a couple of weeks ago that the U.S. government recently spent around $300 million 00:08:41.560 --> 00:08:45.180 to rescue a single airman who was lost in Iran. 00:08:45.860 --> 00:08:51.460 The gospel reminds us that the Lord God of heaven paid the ultimate cost, 00:08:51.740 --> 00:08:55.519 infinite cost of His Son, His blood shed on the cross, 00:08:55.519 --> 00:08:59.740 to redeem and to set us free, to deliver us from enemy territory, 00:08:59.740 --> 00:09:02.779 to bring us home to our God. 00:09:04.059 --> 00:09:08.259 And so, as we listen to Jesus' prayer, He's putting the power of God on display, 00:09:08.259 --> 00:09:10.000 but also the grace of God. 00:09:12.259 --> 00:09:15.120 Nothing in these disciples merits His mercy. 00:09:15.980 --> 00:09:18.139 Nothing in us merits His mercy. 00:09:18.139 --> 00:09:20.620 We are by nature sinful rebels. 00:09:21.759 --> 00:09:24.840 Our hearts and wills are set against God. 00:09:25.799 --> 00:09:27.139 We break His laws. 00:09:27.259 --> 00:09:29.039 We break relationship with God. 00:09:29.220 --> 00:09:35.960 But He freely in love gives His Son for us and gives us to His Son 00:09:35.960 --> 00:09:39.319 so that all praise and glory belongs to Him. 00:09:39.320 --> 00:09:48.800 So, He takes a number of verses to really focus in His prayer on, 00:09:49.260 --> 00:09:54.020 here is what God has done for these people who have been given to Him 00:09:54.020 --> 00:09:55.879 to show His power and grace. 00:09:56.300 --> 00:10:00.400 But also notice that Jesus prays for those who believe God's Word 00:10:00.400 --> 00:10:02.740 about Jesus, the Messiah King. 00:10:03.460 --> 00:10:04.800 Because this is another emphasis. 00:10:05.000 --> 00:10:05.620 Verse 6, 00:10:05.620 --> 00:10:09.460 You gave them to Me, and they have obeyed Your Word. 00:10:10.259 --> 00:10:14.320 I gave them, verse 8, the words You gave Me, and they accepted them. 00:10:15.299 --> 00:10:16.379 End of verse 10, 00:10:16.480 --> 00:10:19.259 Glory has come to Me through them. 00:10:20.039 --> 00:10:22.919 And so, He's praying for these 11 apostles, 00:10:23.860 --> 00:10:27.159 recognizing that these 11, they've been with Jesus from the beginning. 00:10:27.600 --> 00:10:30.940 They heard the call of Jesus into discipleship, 00:10:30.940 --> 00:10:33.799 come, follow Me, and they responded in faith. 00:10:33.799 --> 00:10:36.159 They heard Jesus preach, 00:10:36.259 --> 00:10:39.439 The kingdom of God has come near, repent and believe the good news. 00:10:39.639 --> 00:10:41.599 And they believe that He is God's King, 00:10:41.839 --> 00:10:43.759 and that His coming is good news, 00:10:43.819 --> 00:10:46.639 and that salvation is found nowhere else but in Jesus. 00:10:48.740 --> 00:10:53.740 In John chapter 6, we get to that point where many people are offended by Jesus. 00:10:54.240 --> 00:10:57.559 Big crowds have been following, but they begin to turn away from Jesus. 00:10:57.740 --> 00:10:58.899 And He says to His disciples, 00:10:58.899 --> 00:10:59.959 Will you also leave? 00:11:00.959 --> 00:11:01.500 And they say, 00:11:01.539 --> 00:11:02.579 To whom else will we turn? 00:11:02.659 --> 00:11:04.600 You alone have the words of eternal life. 00:11:04.779 --> 00:11:08.039 They believe God's Word about the Messiah King. 00:11:08.100 --> 00:11:09.959 Now, their obedience is not perfect. 00:11:11.539 --> 00:11:14.539 We know that they have many misunderstandings. 00:11:15.000 --> 00:11:17.039 They misunderstand the nature of the kingdom, 00:11:17.159 --> 00:11:19.939 and so they fight with pride to be top dog. 00:11:20.939 --> 00:11:22.039 We hear Peter, 00:11:22.039 --> 00:11:23.579 Jesus, 00:11:23.740 --> 00:11:25.719 You shall never suffer. 00:11:26.079 --> 00:11:28.679 It's not fitting for the Messiah to go to the cross. 00:11:30.379 --> 00:11:30.819 Jesus, 00:11:30.939 --> 00:11:32.899 You shall never wash my feet, 00:11:33.059 --> 00:11:35.079 far be it from You to act as a servant. 00:11:36.779 --> 00:11:37.799 And shortly, 00:11:38.639 --> 00:11:40.500 they will fail Him at His point of need. 00:11:41.679 --> 00:11:43.120 Watch and pray with me, 00:11:43.120 --> 00:11:45.399 so they fall asleep. 00:11:46.379 --> 00:11:48.620 When it's the time for Jesus' arrest, 00:11:48.620 --> 00:11:50.659 they turn and run. 00:11:50.820 --> 00:11:52.440 So, their obedience is not perfect, 00:11:53.139 --> 00:11:55.240 but it is true obedience. 00:11:56.360 --> 00:12:00.340 They have responded in faith and belief. 00:12:01.060 --> 00:12:04.080 Compared to the others that we meet in the Gospels, 00:12:04.279 --> 00:12:06.919 it becomes evident that the seed of God's Word, 00:12:07.000 --> 00:12:09.440 it has been planted in their hearts 00:12:09.440 --> 00:12:10.639 and has found good soil. 00:12:11.779 --> 00:12:15.299 They are those who've been enabled by Jesus 00:12:15.299 --> 00:12:16.440 to preach good news 00:12:16.440 --> 00:12:18.720 and to perform miracles in Jesus' name. 00:12:19.800 --> 00:12:21.500 At great cost to themselves, 00:12:21.620 --> 00:12:23.900 they have confessed that Jesus is Lord, 00:12:24.140 --> 00:12:26.900 that He is God's promised Messiah, 00:12:27.460 --> 00:12:28.720 Savior, King. 00:12:30.180 --> 00:12:31.900 And so, He prays. 00:12:34.380 --> 00:12:36.320 Two wonderful truths, I think, 00:12:36.320 --> 00:12:38.460 as we think about who Jesus prays for. 00:12:39.040 --> 00:12:41.940 There's the wonderful truth of the Gospel, 00:12:41.940 --> 00:12:45.360 that God saves sinners. 00:12:47.160 --> 00:12:48.580 Here we are reminded, 00:12:48.740 --> 00:12:50.300 even as Jesus prays, 00:12:50.900 --> 00:12:52.860 that the three persons of the Trinity, 00:12:53.040 --> 00:12:54.940 well, here it says the Father and Son in focus, 00:12:55.040 --> 00:12:57.180 but they work together in wisdom and power 00:12:57.180 --> 00:13:00.520 to achieve the salvation of a chosen people. 00:13:01.360 --> 00:13:02.840 That the Father in love 00:13:02.840 --> 00:13:05.320 elects before the creation of the world, 00:13:05.520 --> 00:13:08.460 and the Son in love fulfills the Father's plan 00:13:08.460 --> 00:13:10.300 by redeeming that chosen people. 00:13:10.299 --> 00:13:12.579 And the Spirit, well, He shows the love of God 00:13:12.579 --> 00:13:14.419 by giving the gift of new life. 00:13:15.559 --> 00:13:17.240 And in this work of salvation, 00:13:17.379 --> 00:13:18.599 it's God who does everything. 00:13:18.879 --> 00:13:20.059 He's the one who plans it. 00:13:20.120 --> 00:13:22.120 He's the one who, through Jesus, achieves it. 00:13:22.339 --> 00:13:25.059 He is the one who gives the free gift of salvation. 00:13:25.059 --> 00:13:29.399 And He gives it to sinners. 00:13:30.479 --> 00:13:32.799 Those, again, who are by nature guilty. 00:13:33.639 --> 00:13:36.319 Blind to our need and blind to the wonder of God. 00:13:36.639 --> 00:13:37.879 Helpless and hopeless. 00:13:38.339 --> 00:13:40.359 Dead in our trespasses and sins. 00:13:40.539 --> 00:13:42.979 Unable to lift a finger to save ourselves 00:13:42.979 --> 00:13:46.159 so that salvation is seen to belong to God. 00:13:46.559 --> 00:13:48.339 That God gets all the glory 00:13:48.339 --> 00:13:50.299 in saving these disciples, 00:13:50.459 --> 00:13:51.959 in saving any disciples. 00:13:51.960 --> 00:13:56.320 And it's also wonderfully clear, 00:13:56.980 --> 00:13:59.100 as we listen to the prayer of Jesus 00:13:59.100 --> 00:14:00.500 and we hear His heart, 00:14:01.820 --> 00:14:03.480 that Jesus loves His disciples 00:14:03.480 --> 00:14:06.600 and Jesus loves imperfect disciples. 00:14:08.240 --> 00:14:11.560 Like us, sometimes mixed up 00:14:11.560 --> 00:14:13.680 and sometimes we mess up, 00:14:14.080 --> 00:14:17.519 yet the steadfast love of the Lord Jesus endures. 00:14:17.519 --> 00:14:20.919 And the reality is that now in heaven, 00:14:21.659 --> 00:14:23.059 He still loves His own, 00:14:23.480 --> 00:14:24.659 He keeps on praying, 00:14:25.159 --> 00:14:27.139 and He seeks our protection. 00:14:29.919 --> 00:14:32.819 So that's who Jesus prays for. 00:14:33.960 --> 00:14:35.620 But now we need to ask ourselves, 00:14:35.740 --> 00:14:37.819 but what does Jesus pray for? 00:14:38.879 --> 00:14:41.679 And that's there in verses 11 and 12. 00:14:41.799 --> 00:14:43.019 Again, just to remind ourselves 00:14:43.019 --> 00:14:44.579 the context for this prayer. 00:14:44.580 --> 00:14:45.379 Verse 1, 00:14:45.800 --> 00:14:47.700 Father, the hour has come. 00:14:47.800 --> 00:14:50.900 So Jesus is aware that His departure is coming. 00:14:51.220 --> 00:14:53.759 He's aware of the gap His disciples are going to feel. 00:14:53.840 --> 00:14:55.280 He's always been present with them, 00:14:55.340 --> 00:14:57.080 but now He's leaving. 00:14:59.000 --> 00:15:00.740 And so in His heart, 00:15:01.240 --> 00:15:03.879 He loves them. 00:15:04.840 --> 00:15:06.879 And so He prays that His Father 00:15:06.879 --> 00:15:09.240 would protect and keep. 00:15:10.140 --> 00:15:12.420 And remember, He's doing this all out loud. 00:15:12.419 --> 00:15:14.819 And so here are the disciples, 00:15:15.360 --> 00:15:17.139 and this is a prayer to strengthen 00:15:17.139 --> 00:15:19.039 and fortify their faith. 00:15:20.219 --> 00:15:22.079 Remember last week, 00:15:22.240 --> 00:15:23.759 we heard Jesus pray, 00:15:23.919 --> 00:15:26.939 and He reminded them as they listened in 00:15:26.939 --> 00:15:30.439 that they were held by their loving Father 00:15:30.439 --> 00:15:32.899 and held by Jesus. 00:15:32.899 --> 00:15:36.539 And now we are being reminded 00:15:36.539 --> 00:15:39.699 that the disciples of Jesus 00:15:39.699 --> 00:15:42.139 are protected by God's powerful name. 00:15:43.779 --> 00:15:46.000 I will remain in the world no longer, 00:15:46.159 --> 00:15:47.399 Jesus says in verse 11, 00:15:47.500 --> 00:15:48.759 but they are still in the world, 00:15:48.860 --> 00:15:50.159 and I am coming to you. 00:15:50.840 --> 00:15:51.659 Holy Father, 00:15:52.279 --> 00:15:54.600 protect them by the power of Your name, 00:15:55.159 --> 00:15:56.439 the name You gave me, 00:15:56.759 --> 00:15:58.840 so they may be one as we are one. 00:15:59.980 --> 00:16:01.000 While I was with them, 00:16:01.000 --> 00:16:02.740 I protected them and kept them safe 00:16:02.740 --> 00:16:04.179 by that name You gave me. 00:16:04.919 --> 00:16:05.940 None has been lost 00:16:05.940 --> 00:16:08.019 except the one doomed to destruction 00:16:08.019 --> 00:16:09.940 so that Scripture would be fulfilled. 00:16:10.759 --> 00:16:13.259 Think about what's going on in this way. 00:16:13.340 --> 00:16:14.720 When somebody we love, 00:16:15.059 --> 00:16:16.000 at a human level, 00:16:16.100 --> 00:16:17.460 is going through difficulty, 00:16:18.340 --> 00:16:19.799 going through a personal crisis 00:16:19.799 --> 00:16:21.019 or a testing time, 00:16:22.159 --> 00:16:23.519 don't we feel that they're always 00:16:23.519 --> 00:16:24.899 on our mind and in our heart? 00:16:25.860 --> 00:16:27.179 Sometimes we find ourselves 00:16:27.179 --> 00:16:28.600 actively praying for them, 00:16:28.600 --> 00:16:30.399 but even when we're not, 00:16:31.080 --> 00:16:32.120 don't we find it can be hard 00:16:32.120 --> 00:16:34.220 to focus on what we're supposed 00:16:34.220 --> 00:16:35.399 to give ourselves to? 00:16:35.480 --> 00:16:36.379 We feel distracted 00:16:36.379 --> 00:16:37.920 because we're worried about them. 00:16:39.779 --> 00:16:41.620 It's still always on our heart. 00:16:43.399 --> 00:16:46.420 Jesus' heart is bigger than ours. 00:16:47.240 --> 00:16:49.240 His love is wider than ours. 00:16:50.060 --> 00:16:52.100 He knows better than we do 00:16:52.100 --> 00:16:54.200 what His disciples will go through, 00:16:54.200 --> 00:16:56.120 and from His loving heart. 00:16:57.200 --> 00:16:59.280 When His disciples are on His heart 00:16:59.280 --> 00:16:59.980 and His mind, 00:17:00.259 --> 00:17:01.759 He prays to commit them 00:17:01.759 --> 00:17:03.480 to the love of His Father. 00:17:03.900 --> 00:17:05.120 He is the high priest 00:17:05.120 --> 00:17:07.779 who bears His people on His heart. 00:17:07.840 --> 00:17:09.819 And here we discover Him 00:17:09.819 --> 00:17:11.740 praying for their protection. 00:17:13.340 --> 00:17:15.180 They've already begun to see 00:17:15.180 --> 00:17:17.180 what it costs to be a follower of Jesus. 00:17:18.759 --> 00:17:19.660 But last week, 00:17:19.700 --> 00:17:21.519 we were thinking about that message. 00:17:21.519 --> 00:17:22.119 Jesus said, 00:17:22.200 --> 00:17:23.619 if they hated Me, 00:17:23.740 --> 00:17:25.000 they'll hate you also. 00:17:25.660 --> 00:17:26.799 He knows His disciples 00:17:26.799 --> 00:17:28.039 in days to come 00:17:28.039 --> 00:17:29.160 will face trial 00:17:29.160 --> 00:17:29.960 and temptation 00:17:29.960 --> 00:17:30.940 and persecution 00:17:30.940 --> 00:17:32.940 and prison for His sake. 00:17:33.200 --> 00:17:34.859 He knows that they need 00:17:34.859 --> 00:17:37.879 the protection of God. 00:17:41.960 --> 00:17:43.119 Notice too, 00:17:43.859 --> 00:17:44.960 in verse 11, 00:17:45.460 --> 00:17:48.359 the way Jesus addresses God. 00:17:48.359 --> 00:17:50.599 It's the only time 00:17:50.599 --> 00:17:52.179 in all of the Gospels 00:17:52.179 --> 00:17:53.799 that we hear Jesus pray, 00:17:54.379 --> 00:17:55.959 Holy Father. 00:17:58.379 --> 00:18:00.779 And that suggests a few things to us. 00:18:01.179 --> 00:18:03.259 I think it certainly suggests to us 00:18:03.259 --> 00:18:04.599 that in Jesus' mind, 00:18:04.959 --> 00:18:06.939 it is spiritual protection, 00:18:07.179 --> 00:18:08.519 it is soul protection 00:18:08.519 --> 00:18:09.799 that we need the most. 00:18:10.859 --> 00:18:12.979 God's people need to be guarded 00:18:12.979 --> 00:18:16.079 so that they might live holy lives. 00:18:16.079 --> 00:18:16.379 And so, 00:18:16.500 --> 00:18:18.960 Jesus asks His Holy Father, 00:18:19.759 --> 00:18:21.000 the fountain and source 00:18:21.000 --> 00:18:21.980 of true holiness, 00:18:21.980 --> 00:18:25.379 to protect His set-apart people 00:18:25.379 --> 00:18:28.379 that they might live set-apart lives, 00:18:28.500 --> 00:18:29.799 come what may. 00:18:31.759 --> 00:18:34.480 He calls Him Holy Father. 00:18:36.879 --> 00:18:40.859 And Jesus prays for God's children. 00:18:40.859 --> 00:18:43.579 And so, 00:18:43.659 --> 00:18:45.259 we're also inclined to think about 00:18:45.259 --> 00:18:47.219 the idea of family likeness. 00:18:47.500 --> 00:18:48.859 Just as in a human family, 00:18:48.979 --> 00:18:50.459 traits and character and speech 00:18:50.459 --> 00:18:51.599 are often passed down 00:18:51.599 --> 00:18:52.439 the generations, 00:18:53.439 --> 00:18:55.519 Jesus prays to His Holy Father 00:18:55.519 --> 00:18:57.859 that by His grace and power, 00:18:57.959 --> 00:18:59.240 He would increasingly make 00:18:59.240 --> 00:19:01.179 His children holy, 00:19:02.599 --> 00:19:03.759 conforming them, 00:19:03.899 --> 00:19:04.839 conforming us 00:19:04.839 --> 00:19:06.139 to be more and more 00:19:06.139 --> 00:19:07.719 like Jesus. 00:19:07.720 --> 00:19:10.900 Jesus knows that the root 00:19:10.900 --> 00:19:11.640 of holiness 00:19:11.640 --> 00:19:12.740 in God's people 00:19:12.740 --> 00:19:13.980 stems from 00:19:13.980 --> 00:19:14.720 the relationship 00:19:15.400 --> 00:19:16.140 that we have 00:19:16.140 --> 00:19:17.940 with God as our Father 00:19:17.940 --> 00:19:19.460 through the Lord Jesus. 00:19:21.140 --> 00:19:21.559 And so, 00:19:21.640 --> 00:19:22.620 He prays 00:19:22.620 --> 00:19:23.660 that there would be 00:19:23.660 --> 00:19:24.940 more conformity 00:19:24.940 --> 00:19:26.200 to be more like 00:19:26.200 --> 00:19:27.500 God the Father 00:19:27.500 --> 00:19:28.740 in holiness. 00:19:30.480 --> 00:19:31.559 God Himself 00:19:31.559 --> 00:19:33.799 declares that 00:19:33.799 --> 00:19:34.860 within His Word. 00:19:34.859 --> 00:19:36.299 He wants us to imitate 00:19:36.299 --> 00:19:37.519 this attribute book 00:19:37.519 --> 00:19:38.339 of Leviticus. 00:19:38.699 --> 00:19:39.959 Be holy 00:19:39.959 --> 00:19:41.899 because I am 00:19:41.899 --> 00:19:42.719 holy. 00:19:43.839 --> 00:19:44.399 And so, 00:19:44.479 --> 00:19:45.339 Jesus prays 00:19:45.339 --> 00:19:47.059 to His Holy Father 00:19:47.059 --> 00:19:48.559 knowing that the Holy Father 00:19:48.559 --> 00:19:49.759 wants to see holiness 00:19:49.759 --> 00:19:50.599 in us 00:19:50.599 --> 00:19:51.819 and He knows 00:19:51.819 --> 00:19:52.479 our weakness 00:19:52.479 --> 00:19:52.939 and He knows 00:19:52.939 --> 00:19:53.500 the only way 00:19:53.500 --> 00:19:54.219 we're going to grow 00:19:54.219 --> 00:19:54.740 in holiness 00:19:54.740 --> 00:19:55.979 is if God 00:19:55.979 --> 00:19:57.179 works powerfully 00:19:57.179 --> 00:19:57.959 in us. 00:19:57.979 --> 00:19:58.219 And so, 00:19:58.319 --> 00:19:59.139 this prayer 00:19:59.139 --> 00:20:00.619 is the reason 00:20:00.619 --> 00:20:01.139 why 00:20:01.139 --> 00:20:02.539 we are shaped 00:20:02.539 --> 00:20:03.859 and grow 00:20:03.859 --> 00:20:04.740 in holiness. 00:20:06.440 --> 00:20:07.859 It's also striking 00:20:07.859 --> 00:20:08.659 to think about 00:20:08.659 --> 00:20:09.279 the moment 00:20:09.279 --> 00:20:10.259 at which Jesus 00:20:10.259 --> 00:20:11.240 prays, 00:20:11.740 --> 00:20:12.680 Holy Father. 00:20:13.200 --> 00:20:14.180 He is facing 00:20:14.180 --> 00:20:14.940 the reality 00:20:14.940 --> 00:20:16.039 of His own suffering. 00:20:16.639 --> 00:20:17.519 He is facing 00:20:17.519 --> 00:20:18.240 the prospect 00:20:18.240 --> 00:20:18.920 of going 00:20:18.920 --> 00:20:19.799 to the cross. 00:20:20.319 --> 00:20:21.099 He faces 00:20:21.099 --> 00:20:22.759 the grim reality 00:20:22.759 --> 00:20:23.180 for Him 00:20:23.180 --> 00:20:23.740 of feeling 00:20:23.740 --> 00:20:24.500 forsaken 00:20:24.500 --> 00:20:25.220 of His Father 00:20:25.220 --> 00:20:25.839 as He becomes 00:20:25.839 --> 00:20:26.799 the sin bearer 00:20:26.799 --> 00:20:27.339 of the world. 00:20:27.559 --> 00:20:28.259 Yet here, 00:20:28.399 --> 00:20:29.059 as He lifts 00:20:29.059 --> 00:20:29.659 His gaze 00:20:29.659 --> 00:20:30.200 to heaven, 00:20:30.519 --> 00:20:31.259 there's that sense 00:20:31.259 --> 00:20:32.039 of wonder 00:20:32.039 --> 00:20:33.140 and awe. 00:20:34.339 --> 00:20:35.180 His Father 00:20:35.180 --> 00:20:36.720 is holy 00:20:36.720 --> 00:20:38.200 and pure 00:20:38.200 --> 00:20:39.700 and perfect 00:20:39.700 --> 00:20:40.900 and righteous 00:20:40.900 --> 00:20:41.559 and good. 00:20:43.059 --> 00:20:44.019 And His deep 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:44.720 desire 00:20:44.720 --> 00:20:46.379 is that His people 00:20:46.379 --> 00:20:47.579 would reflect 00:20:47.579 --> 00:20:48.339 His holiness. 00:20:49.220 --> 00:20:49.680 And so, 00:20:49.759 --> 00:20:50.539 He prays 00:20:50.539 --> 00:20:52.660 to His Holy Father 00:20:52.660 --> 00:20:54.160 that His followers 00:20:54.160 --> 00:20:54.980 would be 00:20:54.980 --> 00:20:55.900 protected 00:20:55.900 --> 00:20:57.039 and kept, 00:20:57.180 --> 00:20:57.759 verse 11, 00:20:57.879 --> 00:20:58.779 by the power 00:20:58.779 --> 00:21:00.319 of God's 00:21:00.319 --> 00:21:01.019 name. 00:21:03.700 --> 00:21:04.559 That for those 00:21:04.559 --> 00:21:05.179 of us who are 00:21:05.179 --> 00:21:05.759 Christians, 00:21:05.939 --> 00:21:06.759 Jesus is praying 00:21:06.759 --> 00:21:07.639 that we would become 00:21:07.639 --> 00:21:09.500 more loyal to God, 00:21:09.939 --> 00:21:10.599 that we would be 00:21:10.599 --> 00:21:11.679 growing in love, 00:21:11.740 --> 00:21:12.460 that we'd be living 00:21:12.460 --> 00:21:13.579 in line with 00:21:13.579 --> 00:21:14.240 the character 00:21:14.240 --> 00:21:14.919 of God, 00:21:15.259 --> 00:21:15.899 we'd be coming 00:21:15.899 --> 00:21:16.939 more like Jesus 00:21:16.939 --> 00:21:18.079 as we are kept 00:21:18.079 --> 00:21:19.179 and shaped 00:21:19.179 --> 00:21:20.759 by God's mighty hand. 00:21:22.759 --> 00:21:23.839 Jesus prays 00:21:23.839 --> 00:21:24.819 that these disciples 00:21:24.819 --> 00:21:25.960 would be faithful 00:21:25.960 --> 00:21:27.419 to the Word of God 00:21:27.419 --> 00:21:28.279 that they believed 00:21:28.279 --> 00:21:29.099 about Jesus 00:21:29.099 --> 00:21:30.579 so that they 00:21:30.579 --> 00:21:31.299 would continue 00:21:31.299 --> 00:21:32.160 to trust 00:21:32.160 --> 00:21:33.079 and to share 00:21:33.079 --> 00:21:34.139 the good news 00:21:34.139 --> 00:21:35.759 that Jesus truly 00:21:35.759 --> 00:21:36.720 is God's King 00:21:36.720 --> 00:21:37.559 sent from heaven 00:21:37.559 --> 00:21:38.720 to save from sin 00:21:38.720 --> 00:21:39.359 and death. 00:21:40.619 --> 00:21:41.359 He prays 00:21:41.359 --> 00:21:41.799 at the end 00:21:41.799 --> 00:21:42.539 of verse 11 00:21:42.539 --> 00:21:43.379 that they may be 00:21:43.379 --> 00:21:45.139 one as we are one, 00:21:45.339 --> 00:21:46.460 that His disciples 00:21:46.460 --> 00:21:47.420 would be united 00:21:47.420 --> 00:21:48.420 in the love 00:21:48.420 --> 00:21:49.160 of the Father 00:21:49.160 --> 00:21:49.899 and the Son, 00:21:50.139 --> 00:21:50.799 but they'd also 00:21:50.799 --> 00:21:51.539 be united 00:21:51.539 --> 00:21:52.319 as apostles 00:21:52.319 --> 00:21:53.579 committed to Jesus 00:21:53.579 --> 00:21:54.420 as Messiah 00:21:54.420 --> 00:21:55.240 and His mission 00:21:55.240 --> 00:21:55.920 in the world. 00:21:58.359 --> 00:21:59.099 And so we get 00:21:59.099 --> 00:21:59.900 the sense of 00:21:59.900 --> 00:22:01.480 here is the heart 00:22:01.480 --> 00:22:02.059 of Jesus 00:22:02.059 --> 00:22:02.940 where He longs 00:22:02.940 --> 00:22:04.400 is that His disciples 00:22:04.400 --> 00:22:05.720 would be protected, 00:22:05.859 --> 00:22:06.720 that God's name 00:22:06.720 --> 00:22:07.480 would be honored, 00:22:07.599 --> 00:22:08.460 that God's kingdom 00:22:08.460 --> 00:22:09.420 would come 00:22:09.420 --> 00:22:10.900 in their lives. 00:22:14.039 --> 00:22:15.160 And we know 00:22:15.160 --> 00:22:16.240 that because Jesus 00:22:16.240 --> 00:22:18.160 prays the Father's will 00:22:18.160 --> 00:22:20.059 and because Jesus 00:22:20.059 --> 00:22:21.920 seeks the Father's glory 00:22:21.920 --> 00:22:23.019 and because Jesus 00:22:23.019 --> 00:22:24.299 is the Son of God, 00:22:24.299 --> 00:22:24.879 His prayers 00:22:24.879 --> 00:22:27.319 must be answered. 00:22:29.659 --> 00:22:30.619 And so God 00:22:30.619 --> 00:22:31.919 will protect 00:22:31.919 --> 00:22:33.779 His disciples, 00:22:34.659 --> 00:22:35.579 His followers, 00:22:36.279 --> 00:22:37.139 His children. 00:22:38.720 --> 00:22:39.299 And so again 00:22:39.299 --> 00:22:40.259 for us as Christians, 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:41.259 here is where 00:22:41.259 --> 00:22:43.240 our security lies, 00:22:43.720 --> 00:22:45.500 not in ourselves, 00:22:46.099 --> 00:22:47.639 but in our God 00:22:47.639 --> 00:22:48.599 and in particular 00:22:48.599 --> 00:22:50.599 here on the praying 00:22:50.599 --> 00:22:51.619 life of Jesus, 00:22:51.759 --> 00:22:52.859 our great High Priest. 00:22:54.299 --> 00:22:58.940 As so many studies 00:22:58.940 --> 00:22:59.619 tell us, 00:23:00.079 --> 00:23:01.460 children who grow up 00:23:01.460 --> 00:23:03.220 in stable, 00:23:03.359 --> 00:23:04.559 protective environments 00:23:04.559 --> 00:23:05.759 tend to thrive 00:23:05.759 --> 00:23:06.839 and have more confidence 00:23:06.839 --> 00:23:07.819 and have more 00:23:07.819 --> 00:23:08.819 resilience 00:23:08.819 --> 00:23:10.240 because they have 00:23:10.240 --> 00:23:11.139 that secure 00:23:11.139 --> 00:23:12.319 home life. 00:23:12.319 --> 00:23:14.039 How much more 00:23:14.039 --> 00:23:15.139 for the people 00:23:15.139 --> 00:23:15.619 of God, 00:23:15.700 --> 00:23:16.359 for the children 00:23:16.359 --> 00:23:16.960 of God, 00:23:17.039 --> 00:23:17.960 are we invited 00:23:17.960 --> 00:23:18.659 to find 00:23:18.659 --> 00:23:20.059 real strength, 00:23:20.659 --> 00:23:21.720 real security, 00:23:21.720 --> 00:23:23.880 and even real sleep 00:23:23.880 --> 00:23:25.539 as we know 00:23:25.539 --> 00:23:26.740 the God of the universe 00:23:26.740 --> 00:23:28.059 protects His people. 00:23:28.759 --> 00:23:29.380 The Lord 00:23:29.380 --> 00:23:30.600 who never slumbers 00:23:30.600 --> 00:23:31.420 or sleeps 00:23:31.420 --> 00:23:33.059 always has His eye 00:23:33.059 --> 00:23:34.000 on His people, 00:23:34.240 --> 00:23:35.120 on His church. 00:23:36.480 --> 00:23:37.559 And as we listen 00:23:37.559 --> 00:23:38.559 into the prayer 00:23:38.559 --> 00:23:39.160 of Jesus, 00:23:39.420 --> 00:23:40.120 we're reminded 00:23:40.120 --> 00:23:41.000 here is where 00:23:41.000 --> 00:23:42.240 our hope is found, 00:23:42.319 --> 00:23:43.740 not in our strength, 00:23:43.860 --> 00:23:45.220 not in our resources, 00:23:45.220 --> 00:23:46.380 but the reality 00:23:46.380 --> 00:23:47.900 that the Lord God 00:23:47.900 --> 00:23:49.160 is on our side. 00:23:49.160 --> 00:23:50.860 And since God 00:23:50.860 --> 00:23:51.640 is for us, 00:23:51.720 --> 00:23:52.860 who can be 00:23:52.860 --> 00:23:54.660 against us? 00:23:55.440 --> 00:23:56.540 That this prayer 00:23:56.540 --> 00:23:57.960 must be answered 00:23:57.960 --> 00:23:59.420 and so this protection 00:23:59.420 --> 00:24:00.540 that Jesus seeks 00:24:00.540 --> 00:24:02.240 will be ours 00:24:02.240 --> 00:24:03.860 if we are in Christ 00:24:03.860 --> 00:24:04.660 from the beginning 00:24:04.660 --> 00:24:06.220 of our life 00:24:06.220 --> 00:24:06.860 with Jesus 00:24:06.860 --> 00:24:09.040 until eternity. 00:24:11.400 --> 00:24:12.920 So Jesus prays 00:24:12.920 --> 00:24:13.759 for our protection. 00:24:16.460 --> 00:24:17.180 Thirdly, 00:24:17.259 --> 00:24:17.880 and just to really 00:24:17.880 --> 00:24:19.360 kind of drill down 00:24:19.360 --> 00:24:19.640 on this, 00:24:19.720 --> 00:24:20.580 why do we need 00:24:20.580 --> 00:24:21.720 this prayer? 00:24:22.660 --> 00:24:23.140 So we've been 00:24:23.140 --> 00:24:23.820 in John 17 00:24:23.820 --> 00:24:25.560 for the last few weeks 00:24:25.560 --> 00:24:26.440 and the basic idea 00:24:26.440 --> 00:24:27.260 that we keep returning 00:24:27.260 --> 00:24:28.000 to is Jesus 00:24:28.000 --> 00:24:29.180 is our mediator 00:24:29.180 --> 00:24:30.660 and so He prays 00:24:30.660 --> 00:24:31.820 this prayer for us. 00:24:32.260 --> 00:24:33.240 As the sinless 00:24:33.240 --> 00:24:33.800 Son of God, 00:24:33.880 --> 00:24:35.480 this prayer is answered. 00:24:36.440 --> 00:24:37.420 But Jesus is also 00:24:37.420 --> 00:24:38.180 our model 00:24:38.180 --> 00:24:39.180 and so we understand 00:24:39.180 --> 00:24:39.780 well if Jesus 00:24:39.780 --> 00:24:40.940 prays this for us, 00:24:40.980 --> 00:24:42.080 well it must be important. 00:24:42.360 --> 00:24:42.800 It's something 00:24:42.800 --> 00:24:43.800 that we should desire 00:24:43.800 --> 00:24:44.420 for ourselves 00:24:44.420 --> 00:24:45.300 and pray for ourselves 00:24:45.300 --> 00:24:45.920 and we should pray 00:24:45.920 --> 00:24:46.560 for others. 00:24:46.559 --> 00:24:48.220 So we'll close 00:24:48.220 --> 00:24:48.599 with this. 00:24:48.679 --> 00:24:49.000 We'll close 00:24:49.000 --> 00:24:50.000 with five reasons 00:24:50.000 --> 00:24:51.099 and there's lots more 00:24:51.099 --> 00:24:51.519 I'm sure 00:24:51.519 --> 00:24:52.460 but there's five reasons 00:24:52.460 --> 00:24:53.319 at least why we need 00:24:53.319 --> 00:24:55.000 this prayer of Jesus 00:24:55.000 --> 00:24:56.419 and why you and I 00:24:56.419 --> 00:24:57.799 should pray it for others. 00:24:59.159 --> 00:24:59.359 You know, 00:24:59.419 --> 00:25:00.259 Holy Father, 00:25:01.899 --> 00:25:02.759 start from ourselves, 00:25:02.899 --> 00:25:03.460 protect me, 00:25:03.619 --> 00:25:04.460 protect my family, 00:25:04.659 --> 00:25:05.659 protect my church leaders, 00:25:05.839 --> 00:25:07.039 protect my church family, 00:25:07.519 --> 00:25:09.000 protect ministers 00:25:09.000 --> 00:25:09.679 and missionaries 00:25:09.679 --> 00:25:10.599 around the world. 00:25:10.740 --> 00:25:11.159 Why? 00:25:12.259 --> 00:25:12.919 Here's why we need 00:25:12.919 --> 00:25:13.240 this prayer. 00:25:13.319 --> 00:25:13.720 First of all, 00:25:13.720 --> 00:25:15.200 because holiness is hard 00:25:15.200 --> 00:25:17.420 and we find that 00:25:17.420 --> 00:25:18.039 to be the case. 00:25:18.140 --> 00:25:18.779 Living for God 00:25:18.779 --> 00:25:19.559 is not straightforward. 00:25:19.720 --> 00:25:21.100 The world is not holy. 00:25:21.799 --> 00:25:22.019 In fact, 00:25:22.079 --> 00:25:23.279 the world is often hostile 00:25:23.279 --> 00:25:25.360 to God and His ways. 00:25:26.500 --> 00:25:28.279 Holiness is not highly prized 00:25:28.279 --> 00:25:29.200 in the world today. 00:25:29.680 --> 00:25:31.000 It doesn't open many doors. 00:25:31.100 --> 00:25:32.360 It doesn't get us much 00:25:32.360 --> 00:25:33.940 by way of approval 00:25:33.940 --> 00:25:36.940 and when we honestly reflect, 00:25:37.100 --> 00:25:38.140 sometimes we recognize 00:25:38.140 --> 00:25:40.059 holiness feels a lot more 00:25:40.059 --> 00:25:41.759 like battle and struggle 00:25:41.759 --> 00:25:44.099 and sometimes 00:25:44.099 --> 00:25:46.299 short-term happiness 00:25:46.299 --> 00:25:47.700 seems an awful lot easier. 00:25:48.839 --> 00:25:49.900 Shopping and scrolling 00:25:49.900 --> 00:25:51.119 and watching and relaxing, 00:25:51.339 --> 00:25:52.799 that seems easier 00:25:52.799 --> 00:25:54.279 than the disciplines of grace 00:25:54.279 --> 00:25:55.140 and seeking to grow 00:25:55.140 --> 00:25:55.779 in holiness 00:25:55.779 --> 00:25:58.319 and Jesus knows us 00:25:58.319 --> 00:26:00.559 and Jesus knows that. 00:26:01.359 --> 00:26:02.920 So, He prays to His Father 00:26:02.920 --> 00:26:03.640 for us. 00:26:04.539 --> 00:26:05.339 Protect them 00:26:05.339 --> 00:26:07.539 so they will persevere. 00:26:08.700 --> 00:26:09.440 Holy Father, 00:26:09.440 --> 00:26:10.980 may Your name be so powerful 00:26:10.980 --> 00:26:11.640 and beautiful 00:26:11.640 --> 00:26:12.620 in their thoughts 00:26:12.620 --> 00:26:14.220 that they will choose holiness 00:26:14.220 --> 00:26:15.480 even when it's hard, 00:26:15.840 --> 00:26:16.920 even when it hurts. 00:26:18.519 --> 00:26:19.140 And so, 00:26:19.240 --> 00:26:19.779 we are encouraged 00:26:19.779 --> 00:26:20.880 to pray for ourselves 00:26:20.880 --> 00:26:22.400 and to pray for one another. 00:26:22.820 --> 00:26:24.039 Protect us, 00:26:24.299 --> 00:26:24.539 Father, 00:26:24.700 --> 00:26:25.779 from giving in 00:26:25.779 --> 00:26:26.900 or giving up. 00:26:27.640 --> 00:26:28.820 Keep our eyes fixed 00:26:28.820 --> 00:26:29.960 on our loving Savior 00:26:29.960 --> 00:26:31.400 and the sure prospect 00:26:31.400 --> 00:26:32.779 of eternal reward. 00:26:34.120 --> 00:26:34.380 Father, 00:26:34.500 --> 00:26:35.420 as You have promised, 00:26:35.620 --> 00:26:36.860 finish the good work 00:26:36.859 --> 00:26:37.779 You have begun 00:26:37.779 --> 00:26:39.179 in our hearts. 00:26:39.799 --> 00:26:40.799 We need Him 00:26:40.799 --> 00:26:41.899 and we need His protection 00:26:41.899 --> 00:26:42.740 because holiness 00:26:42.740 --> 00:26:44.879 is hard. 00:26:46.240 --> 00:26:47.679 Here's the second reason 00:26:47.679 --> 00:26:49.500 why we need this prayer. 00:26:50.339 --> 00:26:51.319 Because sin 00:26:51.319 --> 00:26:53.719 makes us senseless. 00:26:54.619 --> 00:26:54.959 Sin, 00:26:55.459 --> 00:26:56.599 to use Calvin's word, 00:26:56.699 --> 00:26:57.819 makes us stupid. 00:26:58.779 --> 00:27:00.079 The Bible tells us 00:27:00.079 --> 00:27:01.799 sin is lawlessness. 00:27:02.879 --> 00:27:04.679 Sin is illogical. 00:27:04.680 --> 00:27:06.539 Sin is against reason. 00:27:06.940 --> 00:27:08.140 Sin is a contradiction 00:27:08.140 --> 00:27:09.880 of who we truly are 00:27:09.880 --> 00:27:10.720 in Christ. 00:27:10.940 --> 00:27:11.600 In Christ, 00:27:11.740 --> 00:27:12.680 we are declared 00:27:12.680 --> 00:27:13.460 to be saints. 00:27:13.600 --> 00:27:14.940 We are children of God. 00:27:15.039 --> 00:27:16.080 We are set apart 00:27:16.080 --> 00:27:16.880 as holy. 00:27:17.880 --> 00:27:19.100 But each one of us 00:27:19.100 --> 00:27:20.299 who are Christians here, 00:27:20.400 --> 00:27:21.360 we know sadly 00:27:21.360 --> 00:27:22.240 that as Christians, 00:27:22.480 --> 00:27:23.640 we make and often 00:27:23.640 --> 00:27:24.960 make foolish choices 00:27:24.960 --> 00:27:26.539 and we choose 00:27:26.539 --> 00:27:27.600 reckless behaviors 00:27:27.600 --> 00:27:28.460 and we speak 00:27:28.460 --> 00:27:29.860 terrible words 00:27:29.860 --> 00:27:30.720 and we go back 00:27:30.720 --> 00:27:32.400 to old habits 00:27:32.400 --> 00:27:34.820 and we reap 00:27:34.820 --> 00:27:35.640 destruction 00:27:35.640 --> 00:27:37.100 as we go 00:27:37.100 --> 00:27:39.960 and often 00:27:39.960 --> 00:27:40.880 we find ourselves 00:27:40.880 --> 00:27:41.860 bearing the scars 00:27:41.860 --> 00:27:42.560 of our guilt 00:27:42.560 --> 00:27:43.519 and our shame 00:27:43.519 --> 00:27:46.640 and Jesus knows us 00:27:46.640 --> 00:27:48.000 and Jesus knows that 00:27:48.000 --> 00:27:48.980 and so He prays, 00:27:49.060 --> 00:27:49.300 Father, 00:27:49.800 --> 00:27:50.759 they will need 00:27:50.759 --> 00:27:51.380 Your help. 00:27:53.940 --> 00:27:55.600 We know our own hearts 00:27:55.600 --> 00:27:56.840 to some degree 00:27:56.839 --> 00:28:00.399 and so as we think 00:28:00.399 --> 00:28:00.959 about the need 00:28:00.959 --> 00:28:01.819 to be protected 00:28:01.819 --> 00:28:02.399 spiritually, 00:28:02.399 --> 00:28:03.720 we're invited to pray, 00:28:04.079 --> 00:28:04.679 help me. 00:28:04.799 --> 00:28:06.139 Help me fight against sin. 00:28:06.259 --> 00:28:07.159 Help others to fight 00:28:07.159 --> 00:28:07.599 against sin, 00:28:07.659 --> 00:28:09.059 not to be captured by it. 00:28:09.399 --> 00:28:10.559 Help us to believe 00:28:10.559 --> 00:28:11.639 in any given moment 00:28:11.639 --> 00:28:12.879 that our Father in Heaven 00:28:12.879 --> 00:28:14.079 is so powerful 00:28:14.079 --> 00:28:14.500 and good 00:28:14.500 --> 00:28:15.359 that He can help us 00:28:15.359 --> 00:28:16.439 choose holiness 00:28:16.439 --> 00:28:17.859 when naturally 00:28:17.859 --> 00:28:18.819 we'd want to give in 00:28:18.819 --> 00:28:19.480 to temptation. 00:28:22.539 --> 00:28:23.480 Protect us. 00:28:23.599 --> 00:28:24.379 Give us eyes 00:28:24.380 --> 00:28:27.580 to see sin 00:28:27.580 --> 00:28:28.660 for what it is. 00:28:30.060 --> 00:28:30.860 Sin is like 00:28:30.860 --> 00:28:32.220 a contagious virus. 00:28:33.200 --> 00:28:33.680 Think of all 00:28:33.680 --> 00:28:34.380 the precautions 00:28:34.380 --> 00:28:35.260 we take 00:28:35.260 --> 00:28:37.740 for human medical viruses. 00:28:38.160 --> 00:28:38.640 Spiritually, 00:28:38.760 --> 00:28:40.220 we ask God's help 00:28:40.220 --> 00:28:41.500 to be wise 00:28:41.500 --> 00:28:42.580 that we might 00:28:42.580 --> 00:28:43.340 be protected, 00:28:43.860 --> 00:28:44.720 that our church 00:28:44.720 --> 00:28:45.460 and our churches 00:28:45.460 --> 00:28:46.500 might be protected. 00:28:48.600 --> 00:28:49.760 Here's a third reason 00:28:49.760 --> 00:28:50.920 why we need this prayer, 00:28:51.940 --> 00:28:52.700 why the disciples 00:28:52.700 --> 00:28:53.260 needed it 00:28:53.260 --> 00:28:54.160 and why we need it. 00:28:54.380 --> 00:28:55.180 Because others 00:28:55.180 --> 00:28:56.600 will oppose us. 00:28:58.000 --> 00:28:58.860 Jesus knows 00:28:58.860 --> 00:28:59.720 that enemies 00:28:59.720 --> 00:29:00.300 are literally 00:29:00.300 --> 00:29:01.380 coming up the hill 00:29:01.380 --> 00:29:02.420 and will soon 00:29:02.420 --> 00:29:03.220 arrest Him 00:29:03.220 --> 00:29:04.820 and persecute Him 00:29:04.820 --> 00:29:06.020 and kill Him. 00:29:07.840 --> 00:29:08.820 And Jesus knows 00:29:08.820 --> 00:29:10.120 that His friends 00:29:10.120 --> 00:29:11.200 and His followers 00:29:11.200 --> 00:29:11.940 will also come 00:29:11.940 --> 00:29:12.980 into the firing line. 00:29:14.580 --> 00:29:15.340 Now, Jesus was 00:29:15.340 --> 00:29:16.520 the most loving man 00:29:16.520 --> 00:29:17.340 who ever lived. 00:29:18.300 --> 00:29:19.060 Gave Himself 00:29:19.060 --> 00:29:19.660 to caring 00:29:19.660 --> 00:29:20.260 for the weak 00:29:20.260 --> 00:29:20.740 and the poor. 00:29:20.860 --> 00:29:21.540 He helped people. 00:29:21.660 --> 00:29:22.340 He healed people. 00:29:22.420 --> 00:29:23.440 He offered dignity. 00:29:23.440 --> 00:29:24.340 He gave forgiveness. 00:29:24.480 --> 00:29:25.640 He gave eternal life. 00:29:25.700 --> 00:29:26.200 But He 00:29:26.200 --> 00:29:27.759 was spat on 00:29:27.759 --> 00:29:28.380 and mocked 00:29:28.380 --> 00:29:29.000 and abused 00:29:29.000 --> 00:29:29.840 and rejected 00:29:29.840 --> 00:29:31.840 and finally executed. 00:29:31.839 --> 00:29:37.359 And so others 00:29:37.359 --> 00:29:38.379 will oppose us. 00:29:39.379 --> 00:29:39.699 And so, 00:29:39.759 --> 00:29:40.819 Jesus prays for us. 00:29:41.159 --> 00:29:41.559 Father, 00:29:42.019 --> 00:29:42.779 help them. 00:29:43.740 --> 00:29:44.399 Protect them 00:29:44.399 --> 00:29:45.019 because without 00:29:45.019 --> 00:29:45.720 the protection 00:29:45.720 --> 00:29:46.519 of our God, 00:29:46.779 --> 00:29:49.139 we will choose 00:29:49.139 --> 00:29:49.899 to compromise 00:29:49.899 --> 00:29:53.039 or we will hide 00:29:53.039 --> 00:29:54.139 in a corner 00:29:54.139 --> 00:29:56.399 or we will simply 00:29:56.399 --> 00:29:58.159 turn and give up. 00:29:58.160 --> 00:30:00.460 and so we need 00:30:00.460 --> 00:30:01.460 to pray 00:30:01.460 --> 00:30:03.259 for strength 00:30:03.259 --> 00:30:04.220 and protection. 00:30:05.220 --> 00:30:05.680 Help me, 00:30:05.840 --> 00:30:06.400 help us 00:30:06.400 --> 00:30:07.400 to make Jesus 00:30:07.400 --> 00:30:09.220 non-ignorable 00:30:09.220 --> 00:30:10.320 to the people 00:30:10.320 --> 00:30:11.040 around me. 00:30:12.340 --> 00:30:13.240 Help us 00:30:13.240 --> 00:30:13.779 to live 00:30:13.779 --> 00:30:15.380 a set-apart life 00:30:15.380 --> 00:30:16.480 even if no one 00:30:16.480 --> 00:30:17.640 else around me is. 00:30:18.720 --> 00:30:19.440 Help me 00:30:19.440 --> 00:30:20.660 to be a consistent 00:30:20.660 --> 00:30:21.759 light source 00:30:21.759 --> 00:30:23.320 in places 00:30:23.320 --> 00:30:24.759 of darkness. 00:30:26.259 --> 00:30:27.300 Protect me. 00:30:27.299 --> 00:30:29.680 here's a fourth 00:30:29.680 --> 00:30:30.599 reason why we need 00:30:30.599 --> 00:30:31.680 to pray this prayer 00:30:31.680 --> 00:30:32.879 for spiritual 00:30:32.879 --> 00:30:33.980 protection and keeping 00:30:33.980 --> 00:30:35.419 because the mission 00:30:35.419 --> 00:30:36.059 of God 00:30:36.059 --> 00:30:37.159 matters. 00:30:38.480 --> 00:30:39.000 Robert Murray 00:30:39.000 --> 00:30:39.440 McShane, 00:30:39.639 --> 00:30:40.240 the famous 00:30:40.240 --> 00:30:41.220 preacher from 00:30:41.220 --> 00:30:41.980 St. Peter's 00:30:41.980 --> 00:30:42.399 in Dundee 00:30:42.399 --> 00:30:43.339 in the 19th century 00:30:43.339 --> 00:30:44.180 famously said, 00:30:44.299 --> 00:30:44.940 my people's 00:30:44.940 --> 00:30:45.799 greatest need 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:46.839 is my 00:30:46.839 --> 00:30:48.399 personal holiness. 00:30:51.039 --> 00:30:52.079 For anybody 00:30:52.079 --> 00:30:53.000 to represent 00:30:53.000 --> 00:30:54.339 a holy God, 00:30:55.759 --> 00:30:55.940 well, 00:30:55.940 --> 00:30:56.500 we need to 00:30:56.500 --> 00:30:57.320 practice 00:30:57.320 --> 00:30:58.279 holiness. 00:30:59.100 --> 00:30:59.660 There needs 00:30:59.660 --> 00:31:00.200 to be something 00:31:00.200 --> 00:31:00.940 of the character 00:31:00.940 --> 00:31:01.580 of God 00:31:01.580 --> 00:31:02.559 in our lives. 00:31:03.279 --> 00:31:03.620 We need 00:31:03.620 --> 00:31:04.220 to follow 00:31:04.220 --> 00:31:04.960 in the way 00:31:04.960 --> 00:31:05.960 of Jesus. 00:31:07.740 --> 00:31:08.539 And so we need 00:31:08.539 --> 00:31:09.420 to be protected 00:31:09.420 --> 00:31:10.360 in our holiness 00:31:10.360 --> 00:31:11.340 for the sake 00:31:11.340 --> 00:31:12.059 of God's mission. 00:31:12.120 --> 00:31:12.840 The flip side, 00:31:12.960 --> 00:31:13.440 think about the 00:31:13.440 --> 00:31:13.980 danger of 00:31:13.980 --> 00:31:14.759 unholiness. 00:31:15.840 --> 00:31:16.740 When people see 00:31:16.740 --> 00:31:17.360 that in the church, 00:31:17.420 --> 00:31:18.080 that's what turns 00:31:18.080 --> 00:31:18.720 people off. 00:31:18.779 --> 00:31:19.279 That's what gives 00:31:19.279 --> 00:31:20.100 people an excuse 00:31:20.100 --> 00:31:21.980 to not believe, 00:31:23.240 --> 00:31:24.240 to point at the church 00:31:24.240 --> 00:31:24.559 and say, 00:31:24.640 --> 00:31:24.779 see, 00:31:24.819 --> 00:31:25.759 I told you so. 00:31:25.880 --> 00:31:26.500 Following Jesus 00:31:26.500 --> 00:31:27.160 is worthless. 00:31:29.019 --> 00:31:30.059 Jesus knew 00:31:30.059 --> 00:31:31.160 what His disciples 00:31:31.160 --> 00:31:31.779 would face. 00:31:31.920 --> 00:31:32.480 Jesus knew 00:31:32.480 --> 00:31:33.160 His disciples' 00:31:33.339 --> 00:31:34.099 natural fears 00:31:34.099 --> 00:31:35.240 and so He prays 00:31:35.240 --> 00:31:35.980 for them. 00:31:36.380 --> 00:31:36.640 Father, 00:31:36.779 --> 00:31:37.599 protect them 00:31:37.599 --> 00:31:38.559 in this mission 00:31:38.559 --> 00:31:39.279 that we have given 00:31:39.279 --> 00:31:39.720 to them 00:31:39.720 --> 00:31:40.779 because the world 00:31:40.779 --> 00:31:42.319 needs those apostles. 00:31:44.279 --> 00:31:45.279 And God heard 00:31:45.279 --> 00:31:45.779 that prayer 00:31:45.779 --> 00:31:46.519 and God answered 00:31:46.519 --> 00:31:47.039 that prayer 00:31:47.039 --> 00:31:48.160 and so those apostles, 00:31:48.160 --> 00:31:49.140 they preached 00:31:49.140 --> 00:31:50.140 the message of Jesus 00:31:50.140 --> 00:31:51.500 and His saving work. 00:31:51.500 --> 00:31:53.380 and they wrote 00:31:53.380 --> 00:31:54.539 down the New Testament 00:31:54.539 --> 00:31:55.200 that we have 00:31:55.200 --> 00:31:55.759 in our hands 00:31:55.759 --> 00:31:56.859 and they planted 00:31:56.859 --> 00:31:57.859 churches that would 00:31:57.859 --> 00:31:59.440 change the Roman Empire 00:31:59.440 --> 00:32:00.480 and change the world. 00:32:00.559 --> 00:32:01.079 They would give 00:32:01.079 --> 00:32:01.759 their lives 00:32:01.759 --> 00:32:02.500 in service 00:32:02.500 --> 00:32:03.140 of the kingdom 00:32:03.140 --> 00:32:03.920 of God. 00:32:06.400 --> 00:32:07.460 And in the same 00:32:07.460 --> 00:32:07.779 manner, 00:32:07.960 --> 00:32:08.519 we pray, 00:32:09.980 --> 00:32:11.240 please keep me, 00:32:11.559 --> 00:32:12.240 help us 00:32:12.240 --> 00:32:13.019 to walk 00:32:13.019 --> 00:32:14.000 in the truth. 00:32:15.119 --> 00:32:15.559 Help me 00:32:15.559 --> 00:32:16.500 day by day 00:32:16.500 --> 00:32:17.240 to live 00:32:17.240 --> 00:32:18.039 in love. 00:32:18.039 --> 00:32:19.440 enable me 00:32:19.440 --> 00:32:19.980 to be 00:32:19.980 --> 00:32:21.539 a good ambassador. 00:32:22.659 --> 00:32:23.240 Think about 00:32:23.240 --> 00:32:24.159 where you find 00:32:24.159 --> 00:32:24.519 yourself 00:32:24.519 --> 00:32:25.740 on the front lines 00:32:25.740 --> 00:32:26.220 and where 00:32:26.220 --> 00:32:27.599 the mission 00:32:27.599 --> 00:32:28.240 of God 00:32:28.240 --> 00:32:29.059 matters 00:32:29.059 --> 00:32:29.420 but where 00:32:29.420 --> 00:32:30.079 the challenges 00:32:30.079 --> 00:32:30.720 are greatest 00:32:30.720 --> 00:32:31.420 and pray 00:32:31.420 --> 00:32:32.000 and pray 00:32:32.000 --> 00:32:32.940 for one another 00:32:32.940 --> 00:32:34.159 in the heat 00:32:34.159 --> 00:32:34.920 of battle. 00:32:36.960 --> 00:32:37.480 Fifth 00:32:37.480 --> 00:32:38.019 and final 00:32:38.019 --> 00:32:38.359 reason 00:32:38.359 --> 00:32:38.899 why we need 00:32:38.899 --> 00:32:39.619 this prayer 00:32:39.619 --> 00:32:41.920 is because 00:32:41.920 --> 00:32:42.379 it gives us 00:32:42.379 --> 00:32:42.759 a chance 00:32:42.759 --> 00:32:43.279 to hear 00:32:43.279 --> 00:32:43.700 Jesus' 00:32:43.879 --> 00:32:44.559 heart of love 00:32:44.559 --> 00:32:45.599 for His children, 00:32:45.920 --> 00:32:46.740 for His people. 00:32:46.740 --> 00:32:48.460 because sometimes 00:32:48.460 --> 00:32:49.180 life is really 00:32:49.180 --> 00:32:50.079 tough as a Christian. 00:32:51.240 --> 00:32:51.900 Sometimes it's like 00:32:51.900 --> 00:32:52.799 the sky turns 00:32:52.799 --> 00:32:53.740 black 00:32:53.740 --> 00:32:54.680 and the storms 00:32:54.680 --> 00:32:55.380 roll in. 00:32:56.720 --> 00:32:57.799 Sometimes as Christians 00:32:57.799 --> 00:32:58.880 we find ourselves 00:32:58.880 --> 00:32:59.839 asking God, 00:32:59.960 --> 00:33:00.720 are you there? 00:33:00.839 --> 00:33:01.140 God, 00:33:01.279 --> 00:33:02.640 do you care? 00:33:03.559 --> 00:33:04.920 And in those times 00:33:04.920 --> 00:33:07.099 we cannot trust 00:33:07.099 --> 00:33:08.640 in our feelings 00:33:08.640 --> 00:33:09.700 and our senses 00:33:09.700 --> 00:33:11.519 but what we can 00:33:11.519 --> 00:33:12.500 trust in 00:33:12.500 --> 00:33:14.700 the feelings 00:33:14.700 --> 00:33:15.180 of Jesus 00:33:15.180 --> 00:33:16.160 for us. 00:33:16.740 --> 00:33:17.720 the steadfast 00:33:17.720 --> 00:33:18.900 love of Jesus, 00:33:19.059 --> 00:33:19.579 the heart 00:33:19.579 --> 00:33:20.160 of Jesus 00:33:20.160 --> 00:33:21.299 for His people, 00:33:21.660 --> 00:33:22.380 God's covenant 00:33:22.380 --> 00:33:23.759 love for His own 00:33:23.759 --> 00:33:24.480 which will never 00:33:24.480 --> 00:33:24.980 shift. 00:33:27.140 --> 00:33:27.799 Jesus will 00:33:27.799 --> 00:33:29.140 always be 00:33:29.140 --> 00:33:30.420 the great 00:33:30.420 --> 00:33:31.099 high priest 00:33:31.099 --> 00:33:31.900 for His people. 00:33:32.960 --> 00:33:33.859 He is always 00:33:33.859 --> 00:33:34.640 carrying us 00:33:34.640 --> 00:33:35.440 on His shoulders. 00:33:36.240 --> 00:33:37.019 He is always 00:33:37.019 --> 00:33:37.660 bearing us 00:33:37.660 --> 00:33:38.380 on His heart. 00:33:39.019 --> 00:33:39.759 He is always 00:33:39.759 --> 00:33:40.819 taking our needs, 00:33:40.980 --> 00:33:41.599 our concerns, 00:33:41.759 --> 00:33:42.279 our prayers 00:33:42.279 --> 00:33:43.140 to His Father 00:33:43.140 --> 00:33:44.180 in heaven. 00:33:46.420 --> 00:33:47.200 The one who 00:33:47.200 --> 00:33:47.880 prays for the 00:33:47.880 --> 00:33:48.360 disciples, 00:33:48.520 --> 00:33:48.840 the one who 00:33:48.840 --> 00:33:49.880 prays for us 00:33:49.880 --> 00:33:50.980 is the one 00:33:50.980 --> 00:33:51.900 who loved us 00:33:51.900 --> 00:33:52.980 and willingly 00:33:52.980 --> 00:33:53.820 faced the hour 00:33:53.820 --> 00:33:54.380 of the cross 00:33:54.380 --> 00:33:55.280 to save us. 00:33:56.340 --> 00:33:57.060 And now that 00:33:57.060 --> 00:33:58.000 Jesus is in heaven, 00:33:58.100 --> 00:33:58.800 He loves us 00:33:58.800 --> 00:33:59.180 still. 00:34:00.460 --> 00:34:01.560 And because of 00:34:01.560 --> 00:34:02.140 that love, 00:34:02.540 --> 00:34:03.340 He will 00:34:03.340 --> 00:34:04.280 protect us. 00:34:04.400 --> 00:34:04.940 God will 00:34:04.940 --> 00:34:05.840 protect us 00:34:05.840 --> 00:34:06.820 to the very 00:34:06.820 --> 00:34:07.280 end 00:34:07.280 --> 00:34:08.320 and into 00:34:08.320 --> 00:34:08.860 eternity. 00:34:08.860 --> 00:34:11.099 let's pray 00:34:11.099 --> 00:34:11.500 together. 00:34:12.700 --> 00:34:13.400 God our 00:34:13.400 --> 00:34:13.680 Father, 00:34:13.800 --> 00:34:14.340 we thank 00:34:14.340 --> 00:34:15.000 You for 00:34:15.000 --> 00:34:16.900 the way 00:34:16.900 --> 00:34:17.640 Jesus' 00:34:17.860 --> 00:34:18.420 prayer gives 00:34:18.420 --> 00:34:18.680 us a 00:34:18.680 --> 00:34:18.720 name. 00:34:18.720 --> 00:34:19.120 Amen.